Work is slowing down on Capitol Hill. The House left Washington several days ahead of schedule, leaving several appropriations bills up in the air, and uncertainty still surrounds the Farm Bill. However, House Ag Committee Ranking Member David Scott remains hopeful.
“It is clear that we need to come together, Republicans and Democrats, on a Farm Bill that strengthens the farm safety net, and we are going to do it together.”
The one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill expires at the end of September. As the clock ticks down, ag groups warn there are dire conditions ahead.
“Unless conditions change, we’re facing a perfect storm, though I don’t think it’ll be fully understood until early next year, when farmers are unable to secure loans because they can’t cash flow. Plummeting crop prices, high cost of production, doubling interest rates, natural disasters, and tightening credit are some of the key culprits. Working capital is quickly depleting. John Deere’s layoff of thousands of workers is a ‘canary on the coal mine.’”
During a call with reporters this week, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley urged lawmakers to get back to work on a new Farm Bill, saying producers are relying on it. He has previously said he would not be surprised if another extension of the 2018 legislation is required.
